San Costantino Albanese
Info
Distance from Potenza: 100 km
Distance from Matera: 159 km
Altitude: 650 m amsl
Postal code: 85030
Inhabitants: 956 (Sancostantinesi)
Commune in the province of Potenza
This small village was built on a hill on the mountainside of the Timpa di San Nicola. It used to be part of the ‘Stato di Noia’ (the present Noepoli). At the end of the XV century, it was surrendered to a group of Albanians who, after having fought as mercenary soldiers for the Angevins, were driven out by the Turks.
In the village Turkish traditions, language and Greek-Orthodox religious rites are still kept.
In San Costantino’s Church (XVII century) there are a baptistery in red copper and several paintings of the XVI, XVII and XVIII centuries.
Not far from the village there is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Stella, inside which a canvas of the XVII century, representing the ‘Madonna della Stella’, is kept. A wonderful celebration is dedicated to Her, with quite a peculiar rite. When the procession leaves the Church, some puppets having human features (Nusasit) and dressed with the Albanian costume are set on fire. They represent marriage, work, harvest and the Devil.
Amministrazione Comunale
85030 - Piazzale Europa
Tel. 0973 91126 - Fax 0973 92526
E-mail: comunedisancostantinoalb@virgilio.it
Web: www.comune.sancostantinoalbanese.pz.it
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